First of all, how did you first get involved with running?
I loved running when I was in elementary school, especially because I was so bad at all the other sports. The track and field competition we had at the end of every school year was my favorite day! My dad was a runner and my brother was on the team so I kind of always knew I would join cross-country. I remember being really nervous starting cross-country, but I'm so glad I did.
What are all your personal records, including cross country?
5k: 17:51
3200: 11:00
1600: 5:07
800: 2:15 (split)
400: 1:01
Do you do, or have you done, any other sports?
I used to play basketball and volleyball in middle school, but I was pretty awful at both. It was one of those things where I just played because everybody else did.
What is your favorite or most memorable competition you've ever been in?
I would probably have to say the 2015 cross country state meet. It was our last cross-country race with the main team we had had for about three years so it was pretty emotional. We all had big dreams we wanted to accomplish. We ended up with a second place finish as a team, and I finished third individually which felt great.
Other than your own teammates, who are some of your favorite athletes to compete against?
I think all the Minnesota runners are so great. One of my favorite athletes to see is Maddie Schandelmeier. We actually met back in Hershey's track, which is a club for elementary and middle school runners, and we continued to compete against each other in high school. I also enjoy competing against all the Willmar girls. The way they work together as a team inspires me so much.
Who are some people that have been most helpful to you in your athletic career?
Definitely my coaches, my teammates, and my family. Marie Sample has coached me since I was a seventh grader, and I can't thank her enough for all she's done for me. The dedication and care she shows to our team has been an honor to experience. I wouldn't be anywhere without my teammates either. Seeing them work hard in practice inspires me every day. The support and love we have for each other makes it all worth it. Lastly, my family has helped me so much in my athletic career. My parents have always made it clear that they'll be proud of me no matter what but also that they believe in me and think I can accomplish great things. I don't know how I could get through each race without my dad literally screaming from the sidelines!
What is a challenge you have had to face as an athlete?
Last year at the State Track Meet was a hard year for me. My 4x8 team had a goal of getting on the podium, but unfortunately I started the race off and dropped the baton at the very beginning. We weren't disqualified, but it slowed me down enough that we fell out of the race. That was difficult to deal with because I felt guilty about letting my team down and was so disappointed with how the season ended. But through that I learned that there is so much more to running than the results.
As a senior, how have your perspectives, strategies, or attitudes changed since you first started running, what advice would you give to younger track athletes?
I first started
running mostly because my parents and coaches encouraged me to, and it just
felt like what I was supposed to do it. Back then I did what I was told but I
didn't have a lot of motivation. Now I run because I love to run and be with my
team. I enjoy it a lot more as a senior because I genuinely want to do it which
makes me go the extra mile. I would advise younger track athletes to really
fall in love with running and motivate yourself
What were your main goals for this track season?
I want to finish my senior year off strong and make the most of it. My goals are to PR in both the 3200 and the 4x8 and to make it on the podium at state for both events.
With the season nearing its end, how are you feeling about where you are at training and performance-wise right now?
The middle of the season was a little rough. I didn't have very much energy and my times were slowing down instead of speeding up. I found out in April that my iron levels were low, and now that I've been taking supplements my times have been improving. I still have improvements I want to make going into sections and hopefully state.
(Photo provided by Claire Boersma)
Do you have any college plans?
I'm going to continue running at Augustana University. I'm really excited for it because my former high school teammate Jackie Turner is already there. The team seems so close, and the coaches there are amazing. I can't wait to see what the next four years hold!
What were some of the biggest things that attracted you to Augustana both academically and athletically?
Augustana is very strong academically. I am interested in teaching and they have a very impressive education program as well as high job placement. Athletically I feel that I can grow and improve as a runner there because of the great coaches and cross country and track programs.
Do you have any rituals, routines, or superstitions either on or off the track?
We have a tradition that's more than twenty years old on our cross-country team of having a "lucky tiger". It got passed down to me when I was a freshman, and I just passed it down to a seventh grader since I'm graduating. Every meet I brought the stuffed animal, and in our huddle we all touched the tiger to give us luck. I actually lost the tiger at a conference meet so I had to buy a new one!
The tiger you lost wasn't the same one from all the past 20+ years, was it?
I'm not exactly sure. It's just the tiger that was passed down to me.
When not doing anything track-related, what might we find you doing?
I'm pretty busy with school, and on the weekends I work as a waitress. For fun I like to hang out with my friends, read, shop, get outside, watch movies, and eat my weight in pasta.
Tell me one bizarre fact about yourself.
I've gotten poison ivy on my face twice, and both times it lasted about two weeks. It's even less fun than it sounds.